See How One Indian Startup Developed Modular Portable Hotels ‘Smartotel’ From Recycled Containers!

Large cities in India have a housing problem and there is less land available for further constructions. Not just that, such projects take a lot of time and require rigorous paperwork and quality checks before approval. All this has been taken care of by an Indian startup, Hirise Hospitality Pvt Ltd.

Ahmedabad based-venture, owned by Tanmay Bathwal, is one of its kind business in India that create portable establishments and huge areas for events and conventions and small hotel facilities etc. Called the Beetle Smartotels, the clusters are technically large containers stacked next to each other.

“These moving hotels use the concept of recycling and are environmentally conducive. They are built out of unused or discarded containers, ensuring speedy construction without compromising the quality,” said Tanmay Bathwal.

Permanent constructions usually take around three to four years to complete and require large amount of starting capital. These portable containers can be used for however long required and for whatever purpose without the constraint of time.

The first concept hotel has opened up in Mundra SEZ, with a capacity of 141 rooms and a rent of Rs. 2,000 to 3,000 a day. It is a one storey hotel only, but the company claims that just like ship containers, these hotels rooms can be stacked over one another.

Bathwal says that the construction of these portable hotels takes about three months, which not only saves time but also money. Future event planners might want to take a look at this venture that aims to reduce all the work around finding the perfect location.

Will the structure support as much as regular hotels?

The founder proudly claims that the rigidity offered by these containers and structures are at par with other hotels, and offer plush interiors and decor with safety and security like that of a tank.

One container can house three rooms of 13 by 8 feet, and offer the same experience as that of a high-end hotel. There is a three layered insulation around for air, and ample air circulation using AC vents.

The hotels also house a 32-inch LCD TVs, minibar stocked with popular beverages, tea/coffee makers, high speed WiFi for all-time connectivity, a personal electronic safe, newspaper service on request and toiletries for its residents.

Just like other hotels, these portable hotels have facilities like gyms, multi-cuisine restaurant, laundry services and conference facilities for business meetings.

One room costs around Rs. 15L to build, including the interiors and facilities for the staff required for the guests inside. Interior designing is all done by the company itself, saving some time for the hosts to get comfortable with. It might seem steep at first, but time is money, and the time saved here discounts the fact that it is all temporary.

Bathwal also clarified that the company is looking to open up such hotels in upcoming areas, and not cities because of the rising land costs. These cost-effective modular hotels offer the same facilities as those of permanent hotels, along with the benefits of temporary constructions.